Sangamon County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 35 of 46)

RICHARDSON, Clara Belle. - Springfield, as the capital city, is a center of social life, as well as of political interest, and is consequently the home of some of the most charming and gracious ladies in the State. One who is prominent alike in social and church circles, is Mrs. Clara Belle Richardson. She was born in Carlisle, Sullivan County, Ind., October 18, 1850, and is a daughter of the late Squire M. Patterson and his wife, Mary M. (Bemfeil) Patterson. The former was born in Vincennes, Ind., October 16, 1812, while the latter was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, October 14,-1820. Mr. Patterson was a bookkeeper.

Mrs. Richardson was educated in 'Terre Haute, Ind., and Mattoon, Ill., and remained at home until her marriage, on April 19, 1871, to James C. Richardson. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Richardson: Gertrude, born February 11, 1872; Mark P., born November 9, 1874; Frank G., born July 14, 1876, and Earl A., born September 29, 1878.

For many years Mrs. Richardson has been one of the earnest and effective workers in the Congregational Church, of which she is a member, and many of the present excellent conditions are due to her influence and support. She belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star and the W. C. T. U. Her efforts in behalf of the latter organization have been marked with success, and she is welcomed in any gathering of her co-workers. Earnest and kind-hearted, devoted to the good work she believes in so thoroughly, Mrs. Richardson has been for years an important factor in Springfield life, and her influence has resulted in a remarkable moral up- HE

RICHARDSON, Thomas B., proprietor of the Riverton livery and feed stables, and one of the best known men in all the country round about that enterprising town, was born in Sangamon County, Ill., January 14, 1851, a son of Thomas and Janet (Wilson) Richardson, natives of Dundee, Scotland. His father was a florist and was employed as such in his native land, as well as at New Haven, Conn., where he located on coming to the United States. In 1843 he arrived, with his family, at Springfield, Ill., with a capital of only five dollars. He lived there about a year and in that time helped to lay out the square including the old State House and the present Court House. Later he located in Clear Lake Township, Sangamon County, where he purchased 160 acres of land, and fifty-five acres, 215 altogether, on which he lived and farmed till 1862, when he moved a mile further west, where he also became the owner of 240 acres. There he lived until he died, when he was the owner of more than 700 acres of good Illinois land. He had five sons and three daughters, and of those eight children seven are living: William, the eldest, is a farmer in Clear Lake Township, Sangamon County, on his father's original home place; James, a retired farmer, lives in Rochester, Ill.; Jane is the widow of the late John W. Beaumont, of St. Louis, Mo., and lives in that city; Elizabeth, who married Erwin Johnson, of Springfield, Ill., is dead; Mary married John W. Nord, now a retired farmer living at Edinburg, Christian County, Ill. The subject of this sketch was next in order of nativity; John D. lives on the farm on which his parents passed their declining years and passed away. James served in the Civil War as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and his sister Jane presented a flag to the regiment on its departure for the seat of war.

Mr. Richardson was educated in public schools near his boyhood home and helped on the home farm during all the years of his youth and early manhood. In 1879, when he was twentyeight years old, he moved to Christian County, Nl., and lived with one of his sisters until 1880, when he went to Colorado to prospect for mineral wealth. After a brief residence in Leadville he returned to Sangamon County and resumed farming, and was so employed till 1896, when he took up his residence in Riverton and engaged in teaming. In 1907 he bought the livery and feed stables which he has since operated with great success. As a Democrat he was elected assessor of taxes in Riverton, an office which he filled with much credit during a period of three years. He is a member of Lake Camp No. 33, Modern Woodmen of America, of Riverton, and is helpfully identified with the Christian Church.

April 14, 1884, at Springfield, Ill., Mr. Richardson married Miss Laura Dickerson, born at Rochester, Ill., February 8, 1864, a daughter of John Dickerson, a native of Virginia, who settled in Sangamon County at a comparatively early date, was for many years a farmer in Cooper Township, and is now living in retirement with his son Todd in Cotton Hill Township, his wife having died. Mrs. Richardson's only sister, Mrs. Addie Olive, wife of Wm.

Richardson have been born seven children, three of whom survive: Janet, Helen and Thomas, all of whom are members of their parents' home circle. Mr. Richardson owns the Riverton livery and feed stables, a home in that village, 160 acres of farm land in Clear Lake Township and 180 acres of coal rights near Riverton. He is a man of public spirit, who has the welfare of the community at heart, a patriotic citizen and a leader in his community.

RICKETTS, Albert L., a retired merchant and honored citizen of Springfield, Ill., was born at Greencastle, Ind., June 27, 1868, and is a son of Daniel D. and Florence L. ( Williamson ) Ricketts, the former born August 19, 1822. and the latter February 21, 1849. Daniel D. Ricketts was a lawyer and located in Springfield in 1898, remaining about six months, then returned to Greencastle, where he resided until his death, May 14, 1897. He enlisted in 1861, in Company B, Fifty-fifth Indiana Regiment, as Lieutenant, and became a musician of the Sixteenth Indiana Volunteers. Later he enlisted as a private.

The wife of Daniel D. Ricketts was a daughter of Delano E. Williamson, who was born August 19, 1522, in Florence, Boone County, Ky., and died at Greencastle, Ind., May 2, 1903. His father was a descendant of Elliott Williamson, a native of Ireland, who emigrated to America at the time of the Revolution and fought in the Continental Army under General Washington, from which his descendants are eligible to bear the title of Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, On his mother's side his ancestry dates back to the Hollingsworth family, who came to America with William Penn. The parents of Mr. Williamson emigrated to Illinois in 1883 and in 1842, when he was nineteen years of age, he went to Indiana with the intention of entering Asbury (now Depauw) University, but altered his mind and accepted the office of Deputy County Clerk at Bowling Green, Clay County, Ind. Up to this time his education had been only such as he was able to acquire in the common schools of Vermilion County, Ill. In March, 1842, he married Elizabeth Elliott, a sister of the County Clerk, in whose office he was employed. During his residence in Bowling Green, extending over a period of two years, he devoted his leisure moments to the study of law, and returned to Greencastle at the end of that time, with the view of continuing his legal studies.

Greencastle, and in due time applied for an examination for a license. In those days the old established lawyers guarded the entrance to their profession jealously from men who were unfitted to enter, and the committee which examined Mr. Williamson was composed of General Tilman H. Howard, Joseph A. Wright and Henry Secrist, who reported favorably, and a license was issued by Judge Bryant, of the Circuit Court. He afterwards secured a license for 'practice in Clay County, where he remained until 1849, then was elected on the Democratic ticket as a Member of the Indiana Legislature, and served in the sessions of 1849- 50. In 1852 Mr. Williamson located in Greencastle, Ind., and soon afterward was admitted to practice in the Indiana Supreme Court. He | became eminently successful in the practice of his profession and was distinguished for his learning and keen intellect. In 1859 he formed

Delano E. Williamson was a Democrat of the old school up to 1860, then espoused the cause of the union with zeal and eloquence, and in June, 1862, attended the Union Convention of Indiana. In 1864, 1866 and 1868 he was elected Attorney General, having been recognized as an able incumbent of the office. He was married, January 38, 1861, to Miss Carrie Badger. He was a devout member of the Christian Church and fraternally was a member of the Masonic Order. At a meeting of the Clay County Bar Association held May 4, 1908, appropriate resolutions were passed upon the death of Mr. Williamson, of which we quote a part, as follows:

"Resolved, That we again feel it our duty to express in the weakness of words our deepest sorrow, lamentations and highest regards for the worthy memory, pure and unsullied reputation, in the fullness of years and honors. of an able and distinguished member of this bar, 'fallen asleep? An inscrutable Providence in an immutable order of time, has again received from our midst one of the oldest, ablest, most faithful, honorable and honored members of the Bar of the State of Indiana, in the person of Delano W. Williamson. . ."

Albert L. Ricketts lived at home with: his father until nineteen years of age, and received his education in Greencastle, Ind. His mother came to Sangamon County September 13, 1902. Upon leaving school Mr. Ricketts spent two years as baggage-man for the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad Company, and in 1889 went to Oklahoma, where he took up a homestead and lived five years, locating in Springfield in 1895, and has since been a resident of this city. He embarked in hotel business July 1, 1902, and continued seven years in conducting this establishment in Springfield, which was known as the Jefferson Hotel. He has since lived retired from active life. He is a stanch Democrat and served in 1905-06 as Alderman of the Seventh Ward of Springfield. Mr. Ricketts is well-known in the city and is held in universal respect. He is actively interested in the welfare and progress of the community and is looked upon as a useful citizen. Fraternally he is connected with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, No. 4837. He is a member of the Christian Church.

Mr. Ricketts was married, January 25, 1900, in Chicago, Ill., to Elizabeth Gaffigan, daughter of Michael and Margaret (Proctor) Gaffigan, whose biographical record appears on another page in this volume. She was born January 14, 1877. They have no children of their own, but have an adopted daughter, Mary E. R. Ricketts, who was born June 19, 1904, in Helena, Mont. The family reside at 205 Elliott Avenue, which home Mr. Ricketts owns.

17, 1836, the oldest son of Nicholas Henry Ridgely and his second wife, Jane Maria (Huntington) Ridgely, and died in his native city August 11, 1910. Both parents were members of families well known in State and colonial history, Nicholas H. Ridgely being the youngest of a family of thirteen children of Greenbury Ridgely, a planter of Anne Arundel County, Md., who traced his ancestry to Col. Henry Ridgely, of Anne Arundel County, the latter having held a number of colonial offices, including member of the Maryland Assembly in 1692, of the "Governor's Council and Colonel of Militia. Greenbury Ridgely was a man of strong religious temperament, who freed all his slaves and devoted himself to the ministry, while three of his sons became prominent as bankers - Noah and Lot in Baltimore, and Nicholas, the father of the subject of this sketch, in Springfield, Ill. In 1829 Nicholas Ridgely came to St. Louis, Mo., to assume a clerkship in a branch of the United States Bank established there, but in 1885 became Cashier of the State Bank of Illinois at Springfield, where a year later his son Charles was born. The State Bank of Illinois, having gone out of existence, was succeeded in 1852 by Clark's Exchange Bank at Springfield with Nicholas H. Ridgely as President, which in turn gave place in 1859 to the banking firm of N. N. Ridgely & Company. In 1866 the latter became the Ridgely National Bank, which has had continuous existence to the present time. As a consequence no name has been so long identified with the banking history of Springfield as that of the Ridgely family, covering almost the entire period of the city's existence.

After receiving his primary education in the home schools, Charles Ridgely spent some two years as a student in Illinois College at Jacksonville, of which he was a devoted friend and which, in his later years, he served for a time as Trustee. In 1852, at the age of seventeen years, he began his business career as a clerk in his father's private banking establishment, being successively promoted to Cashier and Vice President, also in 1859, at the age of twenty-four years, being admitted to partnership in the Ridgely Banking Company. Other business interests with which he was prominently identified included the Springfield Iron Company, which was organized in 1871 and which did a large manufacturing business for a number of years, Mr. Ridgely retaining the position of President during its whole career. This concern merged with the Republic Iron and Steel Company in 1901. Although it had to meet the competition of large concerns in Pittsburg, Chicago and elsewhere, it did a large business for a number of years, employing at one time over 1,500 men. It was managed with sound judgment under Mr. Ridgely's administration and, as the first extensive manufacturing enterprise in Springfield, did much to promote the development of the city and attract attention to its advantages as a manufacturing center. Other enterprises with which Mr. Ridgely was closely associated at the same time, were the Springfield Gas Light Company, the City Railway Company and the Springfield Electric Light Company. In the late 'seventies he served for a time as a Director of the Wabash Railway Company, was first President of the Ellsworth Coal Company, and later organizer and President of the Consolidated Coal Company, of St. Louis, 'which took in over thirty-five companies in the Southern Illinois coal fields. In fact, few men in Illinois State history have been identified with so many extensive business interests, and none ever played their part with higher devotion to any duty devolving upon him. A man of strict integrity and public spirit, he has left a record of which his relatives and the citizens of Springfield have a right to be proud.

In 1870 Mr. Ridgely was an unsuccessful candidate for State Treasurer on the Democratic ticket, and in 1886 was offered by President Cleveland the position of Comptroller of the Currency, but declined to accept. During his later years he acted in co-operation with the Republican party. He was one of the original founders of the Springfield Public Library and for a time served as President of the Central Illinois Art Society. A generous contributor to charities, he assisted in the erection of Christ Episcopal Church, in Springfield, in memory of his mother, and of which he became a member. Much of his time in the later years of his life was occupied in looking after the interests of his father's large estate as one of its executors.

Mr. Ridgely was married, June 16, 1857, to Jane Maria Barret, daughter of James Watson Barret, of Island Grove, Sangamon County, and is survived by three sons and one daughter. The sons are: William Barret Ridgely, of Washington City, D. C., former Vice President of the Springfield Iron Company, later of the Republic Iron & Steel Company, Minneapolis, and recent Comptroller of the Currency; Edward Ridgely, former Cashier of the Ridgely National Bank and later National Bank Examiner, New York; and Franklin Ridgely, Cashier of the Ridgely National Bank. His daughter is Mrs. Mary Ridgely Vincent, wife of Judge William A. Vincent, of Chicago. Four brothers and six sisters also survive him.

His passing away on August 11, 1910, as the result of illness from which he had suffered for some three years, called forth many tributes in his honor from former friends and associates, and the funeral ceremonies at his former home at 631 South Fourth Street, and Christ Episcopal Church, on the afternoon of August 14, Bishop Osborne and Rev. E. H. Clark officiating, were attended by a large audience of sorrowing, appreciative friends and admirers.

RIDGEWAY, Norman. - Cooper Township is noted for its well-cultivated farms and the thrifty agriculturalists who understand their work and how to get the most from their land. One of the farmers whose prosperity has been gained through hard work, is Norman Ridgeway, of Section 15, Cooper Township. He was born in Sangamon County, December 18, 1846, a son of Patterson and Nancy (Hudson) Ridgeway, natives of Kentucky and Virginia. The father came to Sangamon County with his parents in 1829, locating at Buffalo Hart Grove, where he lived ten years, and then removed to Cooper Township. He later went to the vicinity of Loami, where he died in 1898, his wife having died in 1851. There were fifteen children in the family, all of whom lived to maturity but are now deceased.

Norman Ridgeway worked for his father until he enlisted in the army, and upon his return engaged with an engineering firm, continuing in its employ for nine years, when he resumed farming, and has thus continued ever since. He owns ten acres where he resides and forty acres in Kansas, and is in receipt of a pension from the government. His people have owned a considerable amount of land in Sangamon County since his grandfather made his first entry from the Government and began farming on a large tract in Buffalo Hart Township.

On January 22, 1865, Mr. Ridgeway enlisted in an Illinois regiment, and was discharged on April 12th of the same year, having been stationed at Camp Butler.

On August 18, 1898, Mr. Ridgeway was married to Alice Dillon, daughter of Ebenezer and Lucretia Dillon. She was born March 22, 1873, in Sangamon County, where her father was also born, but her mother was born in Indiana. Her paternal grandparents came from Kentucky to Illinois at a very early date, and all are now deceased. Mr. Ridgeway has had seven children: Ida May, wife of J. J. James; David L., Lula Hester, Norman E., Joseph W., George R., and Pearl. He has three grandchildren :' Merton James, Leona James and Carl Dewey James.

A strong Republican, Mr. Ridgeway has served as School Director in Cooper Township. He belongs to the United Brethren Church. An excellent farmer, a good neighbor and conscientious citizen, he has discharged the duties life has placed upon his shoulders faithfully and well, and is rightly regarded as one of the representative men of his neighborhood.

RIEFLER, Charles J. - Among the men who have been identified with the progress and welfare of Sangamon County, Ill., for nearly half a century, is Charles J. Riefler, who has lived at Springfield uninterruptedly since his birth. He is well known locally for his keen interest in home affairs and to the people of Illinois through his past association with the labor movement. Mr. Riefler was born at Springfield, September 13, 1862, son of Michael and Eliza- beth (Lutz) Riefler, the former born in Eden, N. Y., in 1839, and the latter born in Germany in 1842, The father located in Springfield in 1860 and died there in 1885. The mother came to America with her parents in childhood and now resides in Springfield, her home for over fifty years. They were parents of eight children.

The early education of Charles J. Riefler was received in the public schools of Springfield, and later he secured a business education in the same city. After leaving school he spent two years on a farm. At the age of sixteen years he entered a printing office and followed the trade of printer until 1906, entering into the field of journalism in 1900, as publisher of "The Court of Honor,' a publication in the interests of the fraternal organization of the same name, issued at Springfield. Mr. Riefler was one of the organizers of the Court of Honor, a beneficiary society, with home offices at Springfield, and this organization has been phenomenally successful, doing business at the present time in eighteen States, with financial resources of over $2,000,000.

For over twenty years Mr. Riefler was identified with the labor movement in Illinois, and held many offices of honor and trust with the Illinois State Federation of Labor, being three times unanimously chosen as its President. He was appointed by Governor Altgeld as a Member of the City Council of Springfield, and although never going into politics with a view to securing public office, has fulfilled his duty to his fellow citizens when called upon to serve them. He is now Secretary of the Lincoln Library, having been a member of its Board of Directors for seven years. He is an enthusiastic supporter of every cause which he believes to be for the general good and is always ready to investigate any public movement.

Mr. Riefier is a member of the Springfield Business Men's Association and Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Mercantile Club, the Court of Honor, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Independent Order of Red Men, Modern Woodmen of America, Tribe of Ben Hur and Typographical Union. In all these societies he is a useful member and an active worker in their good cause. In political views he is a Democrat. He is looked upon with the highest esteem by all who have been associated with him in a social or business way, and has the universal respect of the people of his native city.

Mr. Riefier was married in Springfield, in 1886, to Barbara Kessler, born in Springfield in 1865, daughter of Adam and Mary Kessler. Her family settled in Sangamon County in the early 'fifties. Two sons have blessed the union of Mr. Riefier and his wife, namely: Carl J., born September 5, 1887, and Harold J., born September 6, 1891.

fact that the workers and professional men of German training rank ahead of many efficient men, therefore, when a German comes to this country to engage in business he is warmly welcomed by the community fortunate enough to secure him as a citizen. An honored resident of Springfield, is George Rieger, now retired and residing at No. 227 West Madison Street. He was born in Germany, December 6, 1836, son of Joseph and Mary (Grimm) Rieger, natives of Germany. Neither of the parents came to America, but spent their last days in their native land. The father served in the wars against the great Napoleon, seeing service in Russia.

George Rieger worked on his father's farm and learned the millwright trade. Like all loyal Germans, he served his military term in the regular army, but after receiving his discharge decided to try his fortune in the New World, so came to America, in June, 1866, with Springfield as his objective point. Arriving there, he found employment at his trade, and continued to work at it until his retirement.

Mr. Rieger was married in his native land, May 15, 1860, to Margaret Phillips, born in Germany. Her parents never left their native land. Mr. and Mrs. Rieger have had two children: Frank M. of Davenport, Iowa, an insurance agent, and Mary, wife of Peter Litrell, who is with the Striffler Ice Company, of Springfield.

Catholic Union. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party, but he has never tried to secure office. A quiet, unassuming man, he has always done what he believed to be his full duty, and has made friends who appreciate his many excellent qualities.

RIGGINS, William Mitchell - Both the maternal. and paternal ancestors of William Mitchell Riggins fought in the Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican War and the Civil War, thus having been identified with the history of their country during its four greatest struggles. They have always been patriotic, law-abiding citizens, and active in promoting the welfare and progress in any community where they have lived. William M. Riggins was born in Burlington, Iowa, October 15, 1843, son of Green. Washington and Mary Maria (Stafford) Riggins. The father was born in Raleigh County, N. C., son of James Riggins, who came to North Carolina from Virginia. The Riggins family came originally from England and Green W. Riggins was of Scotch and English descent. He was engaged in business at Burlington, Iowa, moved from there to Wapella, thence to Beardstown, Ill., and in 1848 located in Hancock County, Ill., where he again engaged in business. In 1852 he went to California, and afterward returned for his family and located in Colusa County, Cal., where he died in 1855. His wife died in California, in 1907. They had seven children, of whom three survive. William M. was the third child, having two sisters older. His mother was born in Raleigh County, N. C., daughter of Noah and Mary (Jackson) Stafford, her father being a native of Tennessee, whose ancestors were from Staffordshire, England. Mrs. Stafford was a relative of "Old Hickory" Jackson.

William M. Riggins received his early education in Hancock County, Il., where he attended subscription schools until he was eleven years of age, then accompanied the family to California and attended excellent public schools there. He worked in the store with his father after leaving school, and upon the death of the latter worked on a farm for a time, where he learned the trade of carpenter. He worked two years in the wholesale and retail store of A. Walker, in Marysville, Cal., then went on a prospecting trip and was fairly successful. He worked some time at the trade of carpenter, then learned the wagon-making trade, and worked for a time as constructing engineer in a quartz mine, after which he worked fifteen years in the quartz mills and became a millwright.

Mr. Riggins was married, in Sierra Valley, Cal., October 30, 1881, to Miss Louise Adeline Piante, daughter of Paschal and Caroline (Forsant) Piante, both natives of St. Louis County, Mo. Mr. Piante was a farmer and became a mechanical engineer. He acted as engineer of the boat "Gazelle,' when it took part in the historic boat race with the "Natchez," which has been much written of in song and prose, and is thus known the world over. By the orders of his superior officer Mr. Piante was crowding the engine of 'the boat beyond its capacity and her boilers exploded. His wife and child (Mrs. Riggins), the latter about one year old, were aboard the vessel, as it was an excursion day. Mrs. Piante saw the impending danger, caught up her child and jumped into the water, swimming to safety. Mr. Piante, however, remained at his post and was scalded to death. This tragic episode occurred in 1857, and many lives were lost. Mr. Riggins and his wife became parents of four children, of whom but one survives, Alva Leslie.

After his marriage Mr. Riggins worked two years at his trade as carpenter, after which he spent two years in mining. Then coming to Tlinois he located at Bath, Mason County, there followed his trade for a time but later moved to Chandlerville, where he lived two years, then moved to Jacksonville, where he lived until October, 1890, the date of his locating in Springfield. He has worked at his trade of carpenter since coming to Springfield and is skilled in this line. He is respected and liked by his associates and popular with his many friends. He is a devout member of the Methodist Church and in politics is a Democrat. He is a prominent member of Carpenters' Union No. 6, of which he has served as Treasurer six terms.

RINDT, Rudolph, proprietor of a barber shop in Springfield, is a veteran of the Civil War and well known in the city. He has also conducted classes in music and dancing for forty years. He has been successful in many ventures. Mr. Rindt was born in Germany, July 19, 1839, son of Jacob and Phillipina Rindt, both natives of Bavaria. The father was a soldier in the Franco-Prussian War and became an Overseer of the King's Highway. He was a prominent man of Vogelsbach, and became Mayor of the city. His father was a Lutheran preacher in Germany and lived to the age of ninety-five years, and his mother lived to the age of ninety-four years. Jacob Rindt came with his family to America, locating in St. Louis, in 1852, and there spent the rest of his life.

The boyhood of Rudolph Rindt was spent in St. Louis and there he received his education in the public schools. After leaving school he learned the trade of barber, which he has since followed, except during the time he served in the Civil War. In 1867 he came to Springfield, where he has lived ever since. He and his son conduct a barber shop in Springfield and have built up a good custom. Both are skillful at their trade and the father is possessed of many social qualities. He has made a special study of dancing and is gifted as a musician.

Mr. Rindt enlisted, in June, 1861, at St. Louis, in Company D, Fifth Missouri Cavalry, and served until October, 1864, when he was mustered out at St. Louis, having served over three years. He participated in the Battles of Pea Ridge, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Helena, and many skirmishes. For two years he fought bushwhackers, guerillas and the like, among them the James boys and the Younger boys, who were living in the hills of Missouri. At the Battle of Pea Ridge, Mr. Rindt was shot in the leg but was never sent to a hospital. He is now a prominent member of the G. A. R. and stands well with his comrades. Mr. Rindt is popular in many circles and is a man of genial nature and friendly disposition. He belongs to the Maccabees, the Modern Woodmen, Barbers' Union No. 96, of Springfield, and to the Dancing Teachers' Union. He is a devout member of the Lutheran Church and interested in many charitable and benevolent movements. In politics he is a Democrat.

The marriage of Mr. Rindt took place at St. Louis, Mo., October 29, 1863, when he was united with Miss Charlotte Rogers, who was born in St. Louis, Mo., October 28, 1848. Children as follows blessed the union of Mr. Rindt and his wife: Edward F., born July 12, 1876; Daisy, August 12, 1880; Annie, July 25, 1868; Lottie, September 24, 1872. All were born in Springfield and the family reside at 202% West Cook Street. ý condition, giving employment to those in any way connected with this branch of industrial activity, and among those who have won a welldeserved reputation for excellent work and careful attention to the terms of contracts, Nicholas Ritter takes a leading position. Mr.

Ritter was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, April 27, 1884, a son of John Ritter, born in Germany, January 8, 1808, and his wife, Anna ©. (Smith) Ritter, born in Germany, November 27, 1807. The father was a carpenter and brought his family to America in 1846, landing while he was working there, for about one year, the family came on and lived in Springfield. The father found plenty of work at his trade in the capital city, and was kept busy until his death. He and his wife are buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. They had one son and two daughters, both of whom survived them when he died May 20, 1885, and his wife some time later. ;

Nicholas Ritter attended the German schools and for a short time went to school after coming to America. When the family reached St. Louis, he secured employment in a bindery at one dollar a week, out of which he had to board himself. The family were very poor during this time, living for a year in an old log cabin. When he went into southern Iliinois, Mr. Ritter worked on a farm and at his trade. In 1855 he joined the family in Springfield, and by 1857 was able to purchase his present home at No. 1148 North Third Street. At that time the land was in the woods, but during the fiftythree years he has lived there he has witnessed many changes, and is now in the midst of a thriving community. During all these years Mr. Ritter has worked on some of the finest residences in the city, also on public buildings, and has always given complete satisfaction, for he was carefully trained in the beginning and takes great pride in his work. Some years ago Mr. Ritter was elected Superintendent of Streets on the Republican ticket, and was the only Republican then elected, his personal. popularity causing him to run far ahead of his ticket. At one time he was a member of the Springfield Guards. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a strong Mason. The Presbyterian Church holds his membership.

Mr. Ritter was married March 27, 1856, in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., to Sophia E. Hagedorn, born in Germany, January 9, 1834, died July 28, 1908. Her parents came to America at an early day, settling on a farm in Cape Girardeau County. The mother died in Cairo, Ill., in 1853, while on her way to Sangamon County, of cholera, which was epidemic in that year. The father came on to Springfield, where he lived with Mr. Ritter until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter had eight children, six of whom now survive: Edward F., who resides north of Springfield on a farm; William F.,

George H., and Charles G., all carpenters residing in Springfield; Henry L., resides in the Northwest; and Anna, wife of Frank M. Thompson, a carpenter of Springfield. Bernard N. and August are deceased. There are six grandchildren and one great-grandchild in the family. In addition to his home, Mr. Ritter owns other valuable city realty and is in comfortable circumstances. He is-an honest, reliable, hard-working man, whose success has been won by steady effort and the practice of careful economy. The death of his wife was a heavy blow to him, for the two were devoted to each other, and she had been an excellent wife and mother,

ROACH, John N. - One of the best known and most highly respected men of Pawnee, Ill., is John N. Roach, who has reason to be proud of his war record, his business record and his position in the Social and public life of his community. He was born in Wilson County, Tenn., July 20, 1843, son of John M. and Elinora (Robbins) Roach, both also natives of Wilson County, where they were married. The father taught school in various places and finally became President of a college at McLemoresville, Tenn., where he died in 1852, his wife having died in August, 1848, the next month after the birth of her son John N. The father of John N. Roach Sr. was a farmer and gunsmith, and a native of Virginia. He moved to Wilson County as a young man, and about 1848 removed to Macoupin County, Ill., thence to Warren County, from there to Knox County, and finally to Logan County, where his death occurred, in November, 1888. He had been a Captain of Militia in Tennessee and served under Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812. The father of Elinora Robbins was a native of Tennessee, where his entire life was spent.

By his first marriage John H. Roach, Sr., had two children, John N. Jr. and Herschel L., and the latter entered the Confederate army and was never afterwards heard from, it being supposed that he lost his life in Texas. The father was married (second) to Miss Newsome, of Wilson County, Tenn., and they had three children: James, Louisa and Elizabeth, all deceased.

John N. Roach Jr. was educated in the public schools of Atlanta, Ill., and lived with his grandfather until nineteen years of age, then enlisted in Company A, One Hundred Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, August 5, 1862, at McLean, Ill., under Captain S. B. Kinsey, serving to the close of the war. He was mustered out and received his final discharge. and pay at Camp Butler, August 5, 1865, exactly, three years from the date of his enlistment. He participated in the Battle of Collierville, Tenn.; Queens Hill, Old Town and Meridian, Miss.; Pleasant Hill, and Marksville, La., in the Red River Expedition, participating in the capture of Fort de Russey, also in the battles of Yellow. Bayou, Tupelo, Franklin,

Nashville, and Fort Blakely, .besides numerous other skirmishes and smaller engagements. On December 18, when the army was marching near Nashville, they passed through the cemetery where his mother was buried and he secured permission to visit her grave.

In the Battle of Nashville, December 15, 1864, Mr, Roach was on the skirmish line and was lying with his companions in the weeds near the Confederate lines, when he was ordered to take six men and flank a small party of the enemy. Two Confederate soldiers were on the other side of the log and when he raised his empty gun and ordered them to surrender they threw up their hands to this single man. They laughed and said, "Yank, did you know our guns were not loaded? He laughed and said, "No, but I knew mine was not," thus turning the joke toward them. He made them prisoners and marched them before the proper officer in his own regiment.

At the close of the war Mr. Roach returned to Atlanta, later moved to Hopedale, Il., and in 1892 settled in Williamsville, Sangamon County, lived there six years and in 1898 came to Pawnee, which has since been his home. He served on the Board of Supervisors two terms in Tazewell County. He is a member of the Masonic order and of A. J. Weber Post No. 421, of Pawnee. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican and in National affairs keeps his party principals strongly in mind, though in local affairs he votes for the man rather than the party.

Mr. Roach was married, at Tremont, Tazewell County, October 6, 1876, to Emma Waldon, a native of that county, born in 1852, daughter of John Waldon, a native of Virginia, who came to Illinois as a young man and settled first in Logan County, but later moved to Tazewell County. Mr. Waldon died on his farm in November, 1875. His wife, Mrs. Lorena Waldon, was a native of Logan County, where she married Mr. Waldon, and died in Tremont, in 1865. They had seven children: Abraham, Joseph, Henry, James, Emma, Angeline and Louisa. There are two sons and one daughter now living, namely: Henry and James, of Tazewell County, and Mrs. Roach. Abraham served in the Mexican War, enlisting at Pekin, took part in the Battle of Cerro Gordo where he and three companions captured the carriage of Santa Ana, from which the old Mexican had just the out-rider's mule, when nearly overtaken, and within found his wooden leg, which is now a trophy of war in Memorial Hall in the Capitol Building at Springfield. The large sum of gold money found under the seat of his ambulance-bed, was turned over to the United States Government, and his two little books - the story of Telemec, printed in Spanish and French (on alternate pages), were presented to the commanding officer, Major S. D. Marshall - General Shields having previously been laid low with a supposedly mortal wound. One of those intrepid young Illinois' soldier boys was Elmer Elwood Ellsworth, now of San Raphael, California. John Waldon, the father of Abraham Waldon and Mrs. Roach, was a soldier in the Black Hawk War.

Mr. Roach and his wife have four children: Edith M., born in Tazewell County,' October 6, 1875, is unmarried and lives at home; Bessie B., born May 13, 1878, unmarried and living at home; Ruby G., born January 24, 1881, also unmarried and living with her parents; John Neal Logan, born June 24, 1884, is a railroad clerk and lives at bome.

Mr. Roach is one of the most popular men of Pawnee and takes great interest and pride in the village. He is proud of his family, who have always been identified with the best interests of any place they have called home, and have served in many of the wars. He is now retired from active business life and is Police Magistrate, which office he has held the past sixteen years. He has a large number of friends and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.

ROBERTS, William P. - In these days of high land values, a man is wealthy who owns plenty of Sangamon County rich acreage, and when it has been accummulated through his own individual effort, he can well afford to retire and live free from the cares of business during his declining years. Illiopolis is the home of a number of retired farmers of this class, among whom is William P. Roberts. He was born in Schuyler County, Ill., January 23, 1831, a son of Norman and Temperance (Lockhart) Roberts, born in South Carolina, October 19, 1800, and Washington County, Ky., November 17, 1796, respectively. The grandfather, Joseph Roberts was born in Virginia, but after several changes, died in Gibson County, Ind., being accidentally killed by a gun shot. i

Norman Roberts went in boyhood from South Carolina to Georgia, thence to Kentucky and from there to Indiana. He traded to some extent on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, going as far as New Orleans, but eventually went to Schuyler County in 1830, and from there to Warrie County, Ind., in 1831. In 1852, he came to Sangamon County to engage in farming. Finally he went to Macon County, Il., where he died, near Niantic, in 1890. He was twice. married, the first ceremony occurring June 13, 1821, and his first wife, Temperance Lockhart, bore him seven children of whom William P. Roberts was one. His second wife, whom he married September 18, 1840, was Mrs. Orpha (Whittinghill) Lockhart. To this union four children were born. Her husband, James Lockhart, was a brother of the first Mrs. Roberts. The second Mrs. Roberts died February 6, 1870, aged sixty-three years, seven months and twenty-nine days. A tages incident to that period, but he managed to lay a good foundation for a solid education that has been of practical value to him. Coming to Sangamon County with his father, he has made it his home ever since, and was a farmer of whom the State may be well proud. Until 1902 he operated his fine 540 acre farm in Illiopolis Township, but in that year he retired, still owning his farm, which is just a few feet east of the town line of Illiopolis.

On January 28, 1858, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage by Rey. Nathaniel G.. Averitt, in Macon County, Ill., to Nancy E. Boyd, born in Morgan County, Ill., March 12, 1841. Her father became one of the early settlers of Macon County, later removing to Missouri, he being Milton Boyd, and his wife bore the name of Polly Bobbitt before her marriage to him. Mr. Boyd was born in Kentucky, October 15, 1809, while his wife was born in Missouri, August 6, 1813. Leaving Missouri, Mr. Boyd came to Sangamon County, but his last days were spent in southwestern Missouri where he died, February 5, 1898.

Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, five of whom survive: Mary A., wife of William J. Kaylor, living on a farm north of Illiopolis; Tampa Florence, wife of Alva Jeffords a farmer of [liopolis Township; Ida B., wife of Edward Baker, a farmer of Illiopolis Township; George H., a farmer of the same township, as is Harvey C., who also conducts the Farmers' Elevator Co. There .are nineteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren in the family.

Mr. Roberts is a consistent member of the Christian Church to which he accords a hearty support. AS a Democrat, he has conscientiously east his vote, and given his support to those measures which he believed were for the best interests of his community. All his life Mr. Roberts has endeavored to live according to his religious creed and is a true Christian man, hard-working and thrifty, who knows how to save his money and invest it profitably. Such sound, practical farmers as he has been, are a welcome addition to any community, and his success not only reflects credit on him, but advances the standing of his locality, and encourages others to follow his example, and by earnest endeavor place themselves beyond the fear of poverty in their old age.

ROBERTSON, Marcus Browning. - Children born of honored parents appreciate the record of their family history, which otherwise might be lost as time progresses. It is therefore really an obligation which their relation to them lays upon the shoulders of such parents, to set down in logical order what has been accomplished by those from whom these children sprung. One of the best types of American citizenship in Sangamon County is Marcus Browning Robertson of Old Berlin, born in Missouri, January 31, 1857. The family moved to Kentucky in 1860, and to Illinois in 1871, where a year was spent in Quincy, and then in 1872, location was made at Pleasant Plains. In 1877, another change was made, and a year was spent in Berlin. Following this Mr. Robertson went west and spent two years on the plains, but returned to Berlin in 1880, and this locality has since been his home.

The grandfather of Mr. Robertson was Martin Robertson, who graduated from the University of Edinburg, Scotland, in his eighteenth year. The family had been associated with that institution of learning from its foundation, and belonged to one of the important clans which played so aggressive a part in Scottish history, it being the same that claimed the doughty Mc- Donalds and Campbells, and they were also closely related to the Beckwiths. Martin Robertson, doubtless for religious reasons, emigrated in 1795 to the land of promise beyond the seas, where he found a home in Virginia. There he married Mary Morton, daughter of a wealthy Virginia planter. Their son, W. R. Robertson, father of M. B. Robertson, was born there in 1800, coming with his parents to Kentucky in 1815. He was graduated from the Transylvania Medical School of Kentucky in 1821, becoming one of the successful physicians of his day. He was also a large planter and slave holder. In 1855, he moved to Missouri, at the outbreak of the Civil War, he returned to Kentucky, and from that State entered the Union service aS a surgeon. Owing to the war, he lost heavily, and in 1871, moved to Illinois, where his death occurred at Pleasant Plains, March 23, 1876. He was a Whig and Republican in politics. The family faith was that of the Presbyterian Church. Of his three wives, the last was the mother of M. B. Robertson. She was Ann Davis Browning, a relative of Jefferson Davis, born in Harrison County, Ky., in 1819, coming of very good stock. One brother, Orville H. Browning of Quincy, Ill., was a United States Senator, and a member of President Johnson's cabinet, as well as an able lawyer. Another brother, Milton Browning of Burlington, Ia.. was a prominent man of his period. Mrs. Browning's mother bore the maiden name of Sally Brown, and was an aunt of Captain James N. Brown of Inland Grove. The Brown family were prominent in legal circles and public life in both Kentucky and Illinois. This most estimable lady died at Quincy. at the home of her brother, O. H. Browning, February 3, 1872.

M. B. Robertson taught schoo] for four terms after his return from the west, and then entering a mercantile line in Berlin, in 1881, was engaged in agricultural pursuits. On June 17, 1885, Mr. Robertson was married to Lou Scott of Berlin, Ill., born there in 1856, daughter of John W. and Martha (Yates) Scott, and granddaughter of Andrew Scott who came from North Carolina to Sangamon County in the early *twenties and located in Island Grove in 1824. The Scott family is of Scofch descent. Mrs. Scott was a sister of War Governor Richard Yates, and daughter of Henry Yates, who settled in Berlin in 1831, the family coming originally from Virginia, but later from Kentucky. Nearly all the ancestors on both sides of the Robertson and Scott families were Revolutionary soldiers. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Robertson:; William Scott died in infancy; Colin Morton, born November 13, 1888; Harry Yates, born August 7, 1890; Pattie, born October 30, 1892; Thomas Browning, born August 4, 1895; William Beckwith, born July 6, 1897, and Donald Alexander, born April 2, 1901.

Mr. Robertson was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, but united with the Christian Church at Berlin in 1888. In politics he is a Democrat, and his party has honored him by electing him to the following offices: Supervisor, Collector, Town Clerk, member of the Village Board, School Director and Justice of the Peace. He has held that office for ten years, and still occupies it. He is a man of solid characteristics, and high standing, proud of his family and devoted to his wife and children. AS a public official, his actions have been governed by justice and sound judgment, and no one is considered as better representative of the best interests of this part of the county, than he.

ROBINSON, John Wesley, M. D., who has built up an excellent practice in the vicinity of New Berlin, Ill., is a self-made man and well deserves the success which has attended his efforts. He is a member of the band of physicians and surgeons who do their best for their patients in a careful, painstaking way, and always bear in mind the highest principles in their profession. Dr. Robinson was born on a farm in LaSalle County, Ill., August 26, 1871, of Scotch and English descent. His father, Alexander Robinson, married a Miss Day, who died when her son John W. was a child. After his mother's death the boy was taken by his grandfather, James Robinson, to rear, and received his early education in the schools of the locality. He was reared on a farm and lived with his grandparents until he was twenty-two years of age, then rented land and began life on his own account, as a farmer.

After carrying on farming for himself for three years, John W. Robinson decided to begin the study of his chosen professior, and held a sale of his farm implements and horses. In 1895, he entered Illinois Medical College, at Chicago, where he took a four-year course, being graduated in 1900, after which he was appointed interne at St. Elizabeth hospital. He remained in- this post eighteen months, gaining yaluable experience and rendering excellent service. He then entered the office of one of a preceptors, Dr. McGee, near his old home a Tonica. He had studied with Dr. McGee during his vacations and had received advice from him on difficult problems, at different times. This arrangement lasted until 1903, then the Toe E doctor began practice by himself, at Berlin, San gamon County, where he at once met with suc cess, and in November, 1905, he moved to New Berlin, where he has established himself in the confidence and esteem of the community and has an excellent practice, j

Dr. Robinson has one of the best equipped offices in the county, and the latest appliances for the practice of both medicine and surgery, as well as a fine laboratory. He keeps abreast of the latest literature of his profession and the times in everything. He compounds most of his own medicines and in this way greatly adds to his success. He is Sympathetic and courteous in manner and speech and in all things shows promise of a bright future in his career. He belongs to various medical societies. He is one of the medical examiners for the M. W. A. of New Berlin and also belongs to the I. O. O. F. Every public enterprise finds in him a ready sympathizer and he is much interested in the progress and development of his community. He has for several years been a member of the Presbyterian Church. Readily making and retaining friends, he is well known in his part of the county as an upright, useful citizen. Dr. Robinson has performed several surgical operations during the time he has practiced in Sangamon County, and for this purpose takes his patients to the hospital at Springfield.

ROBINSON, Joseph A. - Lancaster County, Pa., has given Illinois some of its most substantial citizens, and Sangamon County has always been proud to welcome them to her confines. One of the representative families from that locality which has become well known here is that of Robinson, and a prominent member of it is Joseph A. Robinson, of Riverton. He was born in Lancaster, Pa., September 26, 1844, a son of Daniel and Narcissa (Colson) Robinson. The father was a blacksmith and farmer, whose operations extended over Perry and Cumberland Counties in Pennsylvania. He was also a local preacher of the Methodist faith and traveled about considerably, dying at last in York, Pa. His wife died when Joseph A. Robinson was but a child, and there were three sons and three daughters in the family in addition to him. Susan, the eldest, married A. J. Gordon, now

"deceased, and she lives in Lancaster, Ohio; Rebecca married James Howett, of Riverton, now deceased, and she resides in that town; Jesse W., of Marysville, Pa.; Martha J., wife of Robert Boyd, of York, Pa.; William J., of Lancaster, Ohio, and Joseph A.

Joseph A. Robinson was educated in Pennsylvania, working with his father during his boyhood. Later he went into business for himself. When the war broke out he enlisted from Berks County, in Company A, Third Pennsylvania Artillery for three years. In a few months he was transferred to Company A, One Hundred and Highty-eighth Pennsylvania, Volunteer Infantry, being made Sergeant under command of Colonel Bowen. A little later he was made First Lieutenant of the One Hundred and

Eighteenth Regiment of colored troops. a service of twenty-two months he on October 1, 1865. During his service he participated in the at Dewey's Bluff, Cold Harbor Harrison, and was wounded

County, remaining there and in Perry County until 1871, when he was attracted towards Illinois, and settled in Schuyler County, but a short time later moved to Sangamon County. For some time Mr. Robinson was engineer in a mill and distillery, and was fireman and engineer on the Northern Central Railroad. Upon iocating in Riverton Mr. Robinson became engineer at Howitt's distillery, but later became engineer for the old paper mill, then for the new mill. Following this he acted as engineer for the old shaft. For several years he was engineer for the electric plant, which he built. Still later he returned to the old shaft, where he has since discharged the duties of engineer. He has been prominent in public affairs, being elected President of the Town Board on the Republican ticket, also Assessor, member of the School Board and Alderman, and has faithfully discharged the duties of all the offices held. He is a member of Stephenson Post, No. 30, G. A. R., and was Past Commander of Camp Butler Post, which was disbanded. He is a member of Riverton Lodge, No. 786, A. F. & A. M., and its Chaplain; belongs to Clear Lake Lodge, No. 445, I. O. O. F., andis its Treasurer, having belonged to that order for forty-two years. He is very prominent in fraternal matters of all kinds. The Methodist Church holds his membership and he is one of its Trustees. Mrs. Robinson belongs to the Eastern Star.

In August, 1863, Mr. Robinson was married at Harrisburg, Pa., to Sarah Gensinger, born in Cumberland County, Pa., July 22, 1846, a daughter of Daniel Gensinger, a native of Pennsylvania, as was*his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Gensinger had two sons and three daughters, Mrs. Robinson and her brother Joseph, of Marysville, Pa., being the only survivors. The latter served during the Civil War in the Seventh United States Cavalry, for nine months and later for three years. Mr. and the parents of ten children, six of whom survive: Alice, wife of John Maddox, of Springfield; Rebecca, wife of Vincent Saville, of Riverton, where he is electrician for the town; Joseph, a miner of Riverton; Tennie, wife of Adam Rhode of Riverton; Thomas, at home; Susan, a teacher in the Riverton.schools. There are twenty grandchildren and one great-grandchild in the family. Mr. Robinson owns his home and other property in Riverton, and has the utmost confidence in the locality, believing that all realty will show a steady and healthy advance, so that in his opinion it is the best kind of investment.

ROBINSON, William S., switchman for the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, is a man of careful habits, whose fidelity can always be relied upon. He was born in Virginia, April 21, 1868, a son of Samuel and Mandy (Grant) Robinson. The father was born in London, England, while his wife was born in County Cork, Ireland. He was a railroad man and later connected with the recruiting service. When twenty-one years old he came to the United States, settling in Virginia, where he worked at various kinds of employment. Eventually he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he now resides.

wife of Jake Barns; John, Hdward and William S. Edward, twin brother of William, is now "deceased. Mr. Robinson was a Protestant and a Democrat, and the mother was a Catholic.

William S. Robinson attended school in Virginia until he was eleven years old, when he began working as a structural iron worker, but later went into railroad work. In 1895 he came from Virginia to Terre Haute, Ind., but April 26, 1902, came to Springfield to enter the service of the Chicago and Alton Railroad Company, as a switchman, which responsible position he still holds. For twenty-three years he has been a railroad man and could not now interest himself in any other line of work.

On October 2, 1894, Mr. Robinson was married, at Logansport, Ind., by Rev. H. Harland, in the Methodist Church, to Millie Small, a native of that city, born September 28, 1872, daughter of Alexander and Anna Catherine (Wean) Small, the latter a native of Dayton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have two children: Otis S., born August 3,:1895, in Logansport, and Marie Catherine, born June 23, 1903, in Springfield. Mr. Robinson is a Democrat and a Catholic, while his wife is a Presbyterian. They are members of the Knights and Ladies of Security. He is very popular among railroad men and is generally liked wherever known. He has been a hard worker all his life and has never shirked any duty which was laid upon him. If he is selected to hold an elective office his constituents may be certain of the same faithfulness to duty in the discharge of its obligations that he has ever observed in his private life.

ROBINSON, William T. - Many of the older residents of Springfield remember well the great Abraham Lincoln, and love to recall him as he was to his fellow-townsmen. One of these men is William T. Robinson, a native of the county, who was born far enough back to remember distinctly when Indians were not merely names, but realities. He was born in Buffalo Hart Grove, August 2, 1833, a son of John W. and Lucinda Robinson, natives of Virginia and Winchester, Ky. The father came to Illinois at an early day, locating at Buffalo Hart Grove, where he resided until his death, being killed by lightning in 1840, at the home of his mother. A bolt struck the house, which was built of logs, and he was killed instantly and his sister badly injured. The poor *old mother, who at the time was on her death bed, suffered the shock of seeing these two terrible accidents occur before her eyes. Mr. Robinson left a widow, who lived until about 1890, and two sons and two daughters, one of the latter being now deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth M. Finfrock resides in Waynesville, Ill., and is the other daughter. One son, John F., resides in Lincoln, Ill. Mr. Robinson comes from good old Virginia and Kentucky ancestry.

His father being a farmer, William T. Robinson was brought up to agricultural work, attending school in a little building that was also used for religious services. He worked on his father's farm until 1860, when he went to Atlanta, Ill., to conduct a grocery business, but seven years later returned to Springfield, where he has since lived. Upon his return he took a position with the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, working as truckman for a year, then becoming shipping clerk. For twenty-three years he held this position, when he was injured in the freight house. Upon his recovery the company made him flagman at one of their crossings, and he is now faithfully discharging the duties pertaining to that position. Mr. Robinson never served in the army, although he wanted to and offered his services, but failed to pass the examination. His brother John served in Company I, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry. While residing at Atlanta, Mr. Robinson served as Constable, and was also a School Director at Buffalo Hart Grove, being elected on the Republican ticket, as he has always held to the principles of that party. His personal friendship for Mr. Lincoln led him to adopt these principles as his own, and he has never wavered. He is a member of the United Brethren Church and is faithful in his devotion to it.

_ Mr. Robinson was married in Springfield, December 4, 1856, at the old American House, which stood on the present site of the Bressmer dry-goods store, to Julia A. Lunbeck, born near Courtsville, Ohio, August 24, 1837. Her parents moved from Courtsville to Iowa, residing there until their deaths. Her father was a - carpenter and farmer. Six children came to Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, four daughters and two sons, two of whom survive: Ida L., wife of Benjamin Fagin, living on a farm west of Springfield; Clara E., living at home, employed by the Illinois Watch Company. There are four grandchildren in the family: Bessie, Ethel and Roy and Herbert, and one great-grandchild, Helen Binney. Mr. Robinson lives at No. 1251 North Second Street. He recalls many interesting events of the days when his father's house was the stopping place of the various lawyers who rode through on horseback on their way from Springfield to Pulaski. Among them was Abraham Lincoln, who was attracted to-

ROCCHICCIOLI, Charles, who has been engaged in business in Springfield since 1889, has a fruit and confectionery store at 605 East Washington Street. He has established a large patronage, being considered an upright and honest dealer and highly respected. He was born at Lascana, Italy, January 8, 1860, son of Palo Rocchiccioli, a farmer by occupation, who died there. He had almost no educational advantages aS a boy, as his parents were not able to send him to school, and he began working on a farm at a tender age. He is largely self-educated, and through study at home and learning in the school of experience is able to carry on his business in an able manner and reap a good profit therefrom. At the-age of sixteen years, wearing the crude wooden shoes he had been accustomed to at home, Mr. Rocchiccioli went to London, and there for two years sold statues from door to door. Then he made a short visit home, but returned to England and resumed his former occupation, making another visit home, and in 1884 embarked for America. He landed at New York and went thence to St. Louis, where for three years he sold statues, then came to Springfield. He embarked in business first at 707 Hast Washington Street and a few years later moved to 825 Hast Washington Street, where he remained twelve years, and in 1906 came to his present location.

Mr. Rocchiccioli was marrid in Springfield to Zita Maggenti, who was born in Italy in 1872 and came to America with her parents when a child. Her father, Dominoe Maggenti, kept a store in Springfield some years, but finally returned to his native country, where his death occurred recently. Children were born to this couple as follows: Marie was born in Italy in 1890, while her mother was making a visit to her native country; Charles J., born in Springfield May 31, 1892; Millie, born in 1896, and Yolanda, born in 1903. The family are members of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church and Mr. Rocchiccioli is a Republican in politics. He has a comfortable home on West Washington Street and has many friends in the city.

ROCK, John Francis. - Some of the solid, reliable men of Springfield have lived in the city all their lives, and their interests are closely connected with its growth and prosperity. One of these representative citizens is John Francis Rock, of Hast Capitol Avenue. He was born in Springfield, July 15, 1860, a son of James and Mary (O'Connor) Rock, natives of Ireland. In 1835, they came to America, and after a residence in New York City that covered only a short period, they came to Springfield, which was then attracting attention as the proposed site of the State capital.' Mr. Rock established himself in a grocery business on Jefferson, between Third and Fourth Streets, in which he

John Francis Rock went to school in Springfield, attending the Lincoln School and St. Mary's institution, leaving to enter the employ of the rolling mills which were located in the suburb of Ridgely. There his faithful and efficient service extended over a period of twenty years, or until the mills were closed. He then connected himself with the large plow works of Springfield, where his efforts are equally appreciated.

Mr. Rock served as patrolman for two years, but otherwise has confined himself to labors as before mentioned. His pleasant home on Hast Capital Avenue is owned by him, and his wife's taste is reflected in its artistic furnishings. Mr. Rock is a Republican in- political faith. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. On June 21, 1887, Mr. Rock was married in Springfield, Ill., to Catherine L. Madden, no issue. While Mr. Rock has never taken an active part in public affairs, he has always been in favor of good government, and has borne his part in securing it.

Mrs. Rock was born at Salisbury, Sangamon County, July 27, 1860, daughter of John and Marguerite (Fitzgerald) Madden, natives of County Clare, Ireland. The parents came from Ireland and settled in Sangamon County, where they became prosperous farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Rock are devout members of the Catholic Church.

RODEMS, Charles E. proprietor of a blacksmith shop at Cotton Hill Station, Ill., is a native of Sangamon County, having been born at New City, January 15, 1885, a son of Peter Rodems. His grandfather was a native of Germany, who spent his entire life in the Fatherland.

Peter Rodems was born in Germany and first came to the United States in 1859, but returned to his native land in 1860, only to come again to this country the year following. His occupation was that of a machinist, and after coming to America the second time he settled in Sangamon County, where he spent the remainder of his life working at his trade, his death occurring December 13, 1899, in Springfield. He was born October 30, 1829, and was married to Marie Lederbrand, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 18, 1848, and whose father came from Germany to Sangamon County, where he died. She died November 25, 1909, in Springfield. Both she and her husband were buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Charles E. Rodems received his education in the public schools of his native city, and was always an active, healthy boy, delighting in all manner of out-door sports. At an early age he started working on a smal] Illinois farm for his father, and he so continued until he was sixteen years old, when, deciding that he could better use his abilities in another field, he started to learn the trade of blacksmith, and being bright and quick to learn, soon mastered this occupation and began to find ready employment in various shops in the vicinity of Springfield. When he was eighteen years old he went to Bloomington, where he worked for six months in the shops, but returned to Springfield and continued working at his trade for three and one-half years. During the next year he was engaged at his trade in Chicago. After his return to Springfield secured a position with the Illinois Central Railroad Company as a blacksmith, and worked all along their line for ten months. Once more he returned to Springfield, and ten months later decided he was capable of conducting a business of his own, and accordingly invested his savings in the shop and equipment at Cotton Hill Station. He does a flourishing business and his excellent workmanship has given him a high reputation in his trade. He is a Republican in political views, is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and holds membership in the Illinois Life Insurance Company.

On November 18, 1908, Mr. Rodems was united in marriage with Annie Gritens, at Springfield, Ill. Mrs. Rodems was born at.Deer Plain, Calhoun County, Ill., August 7, 1891, daughter of Henry and Ida Gritens, natives of St. Charles, Mo., and Calhoun County, Ill. respectively. To this union there has been born a son, Peter Henry, born at Cotton Hill, November 25, 1909.

Mr. Rodems is one of the energetic young business men of Ball Township, and is immensely popular with all who know him. In addition to his business he is the owner of the residences and lots at Nos. 1228 East Stuart Street and 2000 South Thirteenth Street, in Springfield,

RODERICK, John C. (deceased). - In looking back over the history of Springfield, the biographer is struck with the number of its representative men who figured prominently during earlier days, and who have passed away from this life. This city was the home of Lincoln, Douglas, Grant, Logan, and many others who have helped develop the State and make it second in importance in the nation. 'There are others who, although they did not rise so high in political and military life, bore just as important a part in making history, for they were part of the great backbone of the State. One who belonged to the latter class was the late John C. Roderick, who was for many years a carpenter of Springfield, where his family still reside. He was born in Madeira, in April, 1842, and was an excellent example of the people of that country. His father was Joseph Roderick, and his mother was Jocintha (Roderick) Roderick, and both were natives of Madeira. Joseph Roderick was a carpenter and contractor before coming to America, but when he located in Springfield, in 1850, he became interested in the iron industry, and was connected with it for thirty-four years.

John C. Roderick was associated with his father in several enterprises in Springfield, even before enlisting, when twenty years old, in the Union Army, in 1861. He served faithfully and well, making a record as a soldier of which his family is justly proud. Mr. Roderick was a carpenter by trade, but also operated a grocery for some years, becoming successful in all his ventures. He was a Woodman, belonging to Springfield Lodge No. 114. A Republican, he took an active part in party life. The Presbyterian Church held his membership and he died in its faith.

Mr. Roderick was married in Springfield, December 24, 1869, to Mary Sylvester, a native of Madeira, born there in 1852, daughter of John A. and Frances C. (Depotas) Sylvester. Mr. and Mrs. Roderick had children as follows: Albert, born in March, 1871, is married and resides in St. Louis; Eva, born August 15, 1873, resides with her mother in Springfield; Joseph A., born in 1875, married and lives in St. Louis; Elmer V. born 1885, and Charles O., born March 26, 1888.

During his long and useful life Mr. Roderick made many friends, and when he was taken away, April 21, 1905, his loss was deeply felt and the bereaved family had the universal sympathy of a wide circle of those who knew and appreciated him. While he was prominent politically, he never sought public office, preferring to exert his influence as a private citizen. Faithful in his church observances, he tried to do his full duty and live up to his beliefs, and no man stood higher in the estimation of his neighbors and business associates,

RODERICK, Joseph (deceased). - Although Portugal has not contributed as many of its sons to the United States as a number of other European countries, those who have come are excellent examples of sturdy, hard-working: men, who become good citizens. One of the best representatives of this class was the late Joseph Roderick, of Springfield, probably born on the Island of Madeira about 1826. When only twenty years of age he came to the United States, landing in New York City, whence he came direct to Springfield, being one of the early natives of his country in this locality.

His first employment after coming was in the line of day laboring. Never neglecting a chance to improve his condition, Mr. Roderick worked hard and saved his money, and after marrying built a house at No. 930 North Ninth Street. Later he built two more north of his residence, which yielded him a good income. When he purchased land in the locality there was but one other house there, but he had confidence in future prospects, and lived to see his foresightedness justified. His death occurred at his home in 1906, he dying a faithful member of the Fourth Presbyterian Church. In politics he was

1894. She bore him the following children: Julia Anna, now Mrs. John DeFrates, of North Eighth Street; John, of Springfield, and Lucy, now Mrs. Sidney Vasconcellos. Mr. Vasconcellos is a carpenter of Springfield, and he and his family live in a pleasant home at No. 926 North Ninth Street. He was born in Jacksonville, where he was educated in the common schools, but came to Springfield in 1898, finding ready employment at his trade there ever since. In 1902 occurred the marriage of Mr. Vasconcellos and Miss Lucy Roderick,.and they have one child, Roland Roderick, a bright little fellow, who can already speak in both English and Portuguese, and is a wonder at counting. The affection existing between members of this family is something that unites them very closely and makes them proud of the father who left behind him a name which stands for hard work and sterling integrity.

RODGERS, Alfred, a retired farmer living at Spaulding, Ill., belongs to an old and prominent family of Sangamon County, where he has spent his entire life. He was born in the county, May 22, 1845, son of Thomas and Mary K. (Lockert) Rodgers, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Virginia. The father was a farmer by occupation and he and his wife came to Sangamon County among the pioneers. He died in 1851 and his widow survived until 1872. They were parents of three sons and three daughters, all of whom are deceased except Alfred.

The boyhood of Alfred Rodgers was spent on his father's farm in Sangamon County. The school he attended, near his home, was furnished with slab seats. He worked with his father until he was seventeen years of age, then began to work on his own account. He spent one year on his grandfather's farm near Riverton, then for one year conducted Mr. Yokum's farm, for one year lived on Mr. Cooley's farm, a year later removed to Mr. Wilson's farm, where he remained a like period, and then for one year lived on Mr. Pitcher's farm. He put in one crop on river land and lost it all by inundation from the river. He conducted a confectionery store and pool room in Spaulding for three years, and some three years ago retired from business life.

Mr. Rodgers was married in Springfield, in October, 1897, to Mary Davis, born in Tennessee, May 22, 1855. Both her parents died in Tennessee, some five or six years since. By a former husband Mrs. Rodgers had two children: Ellen married John Spoon and living in Peoria, Ill.; and Daniel Morgan, who is living at home, carries on farming and mining.

Mr. Rodgers is regarded with respect and esteem by all who know him, as he is a true friend, a kind neighbor and the soul of honor. He is a man of good habits and high character, industrious and energetic, and fond of his home. He was always very kind and dutiful to his mother in her widowhood, and cared for her well until her death. He is known as a second Abraham Lincoln in regard to the number of rails he has split and the wood he has cut. He has carried a sack of wheat or corn to mill on horseback, waited for it to be ground, and then brought the grist back home. He is an active member of the Methodist Church and in politics is a Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the American Home Circle. He owns four acres of land in Spaulding and his wife also owns some property.

RODGERS, John, a successful merchant and well-known citizen of Dawson, Ill., is a native of Scotland, and has inherited the thrift and business enterprise of his race. He was born in Montrose, in 1836, a son of James and Jane (Thompson) Rodgers. The parents were farmers and spent their entire lives in Scotland. They had five children, of whom three were sons.

The education of John Rodgers was acquired in his native country, and when sixteen years of age he became a merchantman on a ship and followed the occupation of sailor for ten years, then engaged in gold-mining in. Australia. He followed mining ten years, then returned to his native country and in 1878 emigrated to the United States. Mr. Rodgers lived for a time in Chicago, then moved to the vicinity of Coyington, Ind., where he engaged in coal mining. In 1877 he located at Riverton, Ill., engaged for a time in mining, then became employed in the company's store, and in 1880 this company started operations in Dawson. Mr. Rodgers severed his connection with the company in 1898 and made a trip to Scotland, where he remained until 1901, then returned to Dawson and engaged in mercantile business in company with Thomas A. Morgan. They carried a line of groceries and Yankee notions, and continued in partnership until the death of Mr. Morgan, in 1905, since which time Mr. Rodgers has conducted the enterprise on his own account. He has established a good trade and carries on his - business in a manner to inspire confidence and insure success. `

In July, 1874, Mr. Rodgers married Jessie A. Eggo, who was born in the same county in Scotland as himself, and who had come to Coyington, Ind., in that year. They have no children. Mr. Rodgers is a Presbyterian in religious belief and a Democrat in politics. His education was acquired in the parish school in his native place, and was rather limited, but he has learned much in the school of experience and is possessed of good business judgment and ability.

RODGERS, Richard, a retired farmer residing in Clear Lake Township, Sangamon County, Ill., belongs to a family that has been prominent in the county since 1837, and its members have ever been identified with its best interests. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 5, 1836, and is a son of Robert B. and Catherine A. (Huggins) Rodgers, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born August 1, 1793, in West- moreland County, and the latter born February 11, 1800, in Liverpool, Perry County. They were married in Pennsylvania, where eight of their children were born, and moved to Medina County, Ohio, where they had one child born. In the spring of 18387 they arrived east of the river, in what is now Clear Lake Township, and there became parents of two more children. Mr. Rodgers continued to live on his farm near Riverton until his death, which occurred March 25, 1862. His widow died in April, 1864. They were parents of children as follows: Lucetta married Charles McClure and died in Wooster, Ohio, leaving three children; Thomas, married Catherine Hazlitt, in Sangamon County, and died in 1852; Jane married William McClure, and both she and her husband died, leaving two children; Rebecca married James Morton, in Sangamon County, and they had eight children ; Amanda married William Steele in Sangamon County, and they had six children; Mary married J. C. Harris in Sangamon County, had eight children, and died in Christian County; John served in Company A, Third Illinois Cavalry, and married Mrs. Nancy J. (Kinder) Harsh; Caroline; Richard; Samuel D. served in Company I, One Hundred Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and married Emma Yocum; Robert, born in Sangamon County in 1842, in 1861 enlisted for three months in the Seventh Illinois Infantry, and died at Cairo, July 9, 1861. The only two of these children who now survive are Samuel, of Riverton, and Richard.

tichard Rodgers received his education in the old log school house near his home in Clear Lake Township and in boyhood worked on his father's farm. He later learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed for many years in Springfield and Riverton, and later engaged in farming and gardening. For several years past he has been retired form active life and owns a comfortable home in Riverton, where he has twenty-three acres of land. He has been a hard-working man and success has attended his efforts to a gratifying degree. He is looked upon with respect and esteem by all who know him and has a large number of friends. In politics he is a Republican and has always been much interested in the development and progress of his community. He was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln and a great admirer of this great and good man.

Mr. Rodgers was married (first) in Clear Lake Township, in December, 1864, to Mary Major, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in 1896. Her parents were early settlers of Sangaman County and spent the remainder of their lives on a farm in Clear Lake Township. Four children were born to Mr. Rodgers and his wife: Louis, of Decatur, a train dispatcher for the Wabash Railroad Company; Richard, in the coal business ia Chicago; Edith F., of Detroit, Mich.; George, of New York City. Mr. Rodgers married, (second), iu 1905, Josie Allen, born in Rivertou, whose parents were early settlers of Clear Lake Township and died near Riverton.

ROHRER, Andrew (deceased), who was a prominent farmer of Section S, Ball Township, Sangamon County, Ill., was a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born January 1, 1840, son of Andrew and Barbara (Blakely) Rohrer, both natives of Germany, and the former of Wurtemburg. The father was a farmer by occupation and emigrated to the United States in 1852, spending a short time in New Jersey and in Philadelphia, then came to Illinois, where he located on a farm. He died in Sangamon County and was buried in Chatham Cemetery and the mother, who died in Kansas, was buried at Lebanon. They were parents of five children, three of whom now survive.

Andrew Rohrer received his education in Germany, and was twelve years of age at the time he came with his parents to America. After spending a short time in New Jersey, he accompanied them to Philadelphia, and spent six years in that city. At the age of eighteen years he came with his parents to Sangamon County, and spent the remainder of his life in Ball Township. At the time of the Civil War he did all the overseeing and labor for Col. Shoup's family until the Colonel returned from the War.

Mr. Rohrer was married in Springfield, Ill., by Rev. Barthing, February 12, 1867, to Mina Schmidt, who was born in Germany, April 20, 1847, daughter of Gottlieb Schmidt. She accompanied her parents to America as a child. The Schmidt family landed at New York and soon afterward came to Sangamon County. Mrs. Rohrer died February 7, 1904, having borne her husband seven children, namely: Edward Godlob, born April 30, 1868; Emma Louise, February 26, 1870; George William, February 11, 1872; Charles John, April 27, 1874; Benjamin, July 1, 1876; Carrie Ida, November 16, 1878 ; Francis, October 80, 1888. Three of these children are married and four single, and all reside in Sangamon County except Mrs. Martin Wagner, of Chicago.

After his marriage Mr. Rohrer spent some time at the home of Col. Shoup, then engaged in farming in Ball Township, where he þecame a well-known and respected citizen. He was a Democrat in politics and served as County Commissioner from 1895 until 1904. In religiousviews he was a Lutheran. He was a most industrious farmer and brougkt his thirty acres of land to a high state of cultivation. He won many friends and was highly esteemed by all. He died at his home in Ball Township August 27, 1910, and his loss was genuinely mourned by all who knew him.

Civil War as soon as it did. Almost without exception, those who sought in this country freedom from the exactions prevailing in the lands from which they came, took up arms in defense of their adopted country. One of the men who gave valiant service in this Way was Henry William Rokker, now living at No. 1020 West Lawrence avenue, Springfield. He was born at Arnhem, Holland, August 3, 1834, a son of Jobn Peter and Catherine (Gitsel) Rokker, the former born December 25, 1801, and the latter in 1809, both being natives of Holland. The father was a harnessmaker.

Henry William Rokker grew up in Holland, where he attended the city schools of Arnhem, learning the Dutch, German, French and English languages. Leaving school, he was taught the trade of bookbinding, and seeking a wider field of endeavor, came to the United States in 1856. He worked at his trade in Dubuque, Iowa, Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, whence he went to New Orleans, but there spent only a short time, owing to climatic conditions of that city. Going north as far as St. Louis, he remained in that city until war was declared, when, in the early part of 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Third Missouri Volunteer Infantry. During his period of service, Mr. Rokker was stationed at Fulton, Mo., and was wounded four times, including injuries in both arms, the shoulder and lungs, so that he was honorably discharged for serious disability. Returning to St. Louis he started in business for himself, as bookbinder, as soon as his health permitted, and in 1863 came to Springfield, to enter the employ of A. B. Mackenzy. He continued with this establishment until the following spring, when the plant was destroyed by fire. Mr. Rokker once more established himself in business, selling out to the Journal Company, and becoming superintendent of the plant. After a year, he once more started in business for himself, and continued to operate his plant until 1910, when he sold his printing and bookbinding establishment to Colonel Jefferson.

Mr. Rokker was married (first) in St. Louis, in 1860, to Matilda Kowats, and they had three children: Henry, who died in infancy; Kate, who died at the age of thirty-three years; and Minnie, wife of Rev. William Uffenbeck. Mr. Rokker was married (second) to Rose M, Liebke of Chicago, in 1894. In addition to the family residence in Springfield, Mr. Rokker owns some farm lands in the West, and is in comfortable circumstances. The German Lutheran Church has in him a faithful and liberal member. During the many years he has resided in Springfield, Mr. Rokker has been identified with those movements looking towards moral uplift and the betterment of civic conditions, and has been a most desirable citizen in every respect.

of foreign birth have become assimilated in our melting pot of nations until they are numbered among the reliable and substantial citizens. Among those who are Americans by inclination, Andrew Rollet, of No. 1702 South Tenth Street, Springfield, is as good a representative of the Franco-American as can be found in Sangamon County. He was born July 20, 1835, being a son of Joseph and Christina (Hirsch) Rollet, both of France. The parents were farming people, who never left their native land, where they died and are buried. Of the three sons and one daughter born to these parents, only the daughter, residing in France, and Mr. Rollet survive.

Growing up in France, Andrew Rollet secured a common school education, and worked for his father, but was not satisfied with existing conditions, so, when he was twenty-five years old, enlisted in the army, serving for seven years. When his enlistment expired he re-enlisted for three years. Mr. Rollet is proud of the fact that he fought under Louis Napoleon, and participated in many famous battles of the empire. With the fall of Louis Napoleon, Mr. Rollet turned his eyes towards the land his countrymen a century before had helped to free, and arrived in New York, whence he came direct to Springfield, which has been his home ever since. Upon his arrival he secured employment on the construction of the State House, later entering the mines, where he met with an accident that compelled him to retire about 1895.

In February, 1873, Mr. Rollet was married in Springfield to Mrs. Marie (Frye) Rosenzweig, born in Germany, July 4, 1842, a daughter of Jacob Frye, who came to America in 1865, settling in Springfield, where he lived until his death. The mother died in Germany, having borne her husband four sons and five daughters, four of whom survive: Adam, of Springfield; Anton, a farmer of Sangamon county; Mrs. Anna Christman of Springfield, and Mrs. Rollet. Mr. and Mrs. Rollet have had six children: Adam, a cigar manufacturer; Anton, a cigar maker; George, Andrew, Charles and Madaline, at home. Jacob, of Springfield, and Anna, wife of Peter Penney, are half brother and sister of the others. There are fourteen grandchildren in the family, as well as one great-grandchild. All reside in the city er vicinity. Mr. Rollet owns his home and other valuable property in Springfield. A consistent Catholic, he belongs to the Sacred Heart Parish. In politics he is a Democrat. Few men of his nationality have accomplished more than he, coming, as he did, at the age of thirty-five years, after ten years of hard service. His life has been an adventurous one and his recollections of stirring days in France are well worth hearing.

ROOSA, Charles A. - _Some of the most progressive and public-spirited men of Springfield are those who are retired from active life and are consequently able to study carefully the needs of the community. One of these men is Charles

A. Roosa, a retired real estate dealer, who was born in South Lebanon, Ohio, March 21, 18388, a son of Matthew and Eunice (Mullin) Roosa. The father, a native of Pennsylvania, came of "Pennsylvania-Dutch" stock, his father having emigrated to Pennsylvania from Germany, previous to the Revolutionary War.

Charles A. Roosa received more than ordinary educational advantages, attending the common schools and later taking a course in Antioch College and having the privilege of studying under Horace Mann, then its President. After leaving college he learned milling and distilling in his father's mills, and later embarked in the same line of business with his brother-in-law, Joseph W. Rhodes. Meanwhile his father had died, leaving a large estate which was divided among his heirs. Having been married near Xenia, Greene County, Ohio, to Sarah V. De Haven, in 1865 he came to Illinois, establishing himself in a shipping and produce business at Mattoon, where he was able to recover from the heavy loss of $8,000 he and Charles DeHaven had sustained in a venture at Boonville, Mo. He and his wife's brother had established themselves in a milling business there in 1864, but all their investment was swept away in Price's famous raid. Owing to lack of educational advantages for his children, he left Mattoon to go to Jacksonville, where he with his sons Frank and Edward, conducted a grocery, hardware and furniture business, and also bought produce. In January, 1895, he came to Springfield, and has been a heavy realty operator there. Some of the finest buildings and residences in the city were put up by him and his sons, including a five-story one of concrete. He is a Democrat in political convictions. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen and the Knights and Ladies of Honor. Mr. and Mrs. Roosa have had children as follows: Frank, of Springfield, married a Miss Hawkins; Douglas, deceased; Edward D., in the plumbing business in Springfield, married a Miss Schlagle, of Bloomington; Bessie married H. C. Ogden, of Chicago; Deanie married Samuel B. Stewart. of Jacksonville, who was City Clerk for eight years. Mr. Roosa is one of the substantial men of Springfield, and to his and his sons' influence and public spirit many improvements are due. Frank, the eldest, has established a vulcanizing plant at three points - Springfield, Bloomington, and Decatur.